Operational Excellence Manager - AWE

Honeywell’s Federal Solutions (HFS), a Gold Business Enterprise (GBE), is responsible for the oversight of Honeywell Aerospace’s contracts for the U.S. and UK government agencies, and our allies. HFS is on the leading edge of supplying advanced applied research and development; engineering and manufacturing expertise; and high hazard experiment, testing and evaluation for our nation's defense and national security. HFS is part of the Controls Systems Business Unit under Honeywell Aerospace. The position will work on-site at the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE)- Aldermaston, Berkshire. This position reports to the Head of Integrated Excellence Solution.

The Operational Excellence (OpEx) Manager will be responsible for embedding and advancing a world-class Operational Excellence systems across AWE’s Fissile Business Unit (FBU), Sustainment Delivery Partnership (SDP). The role will focus on developing a culture of continuous improvement, structured problem solving, functional transformation, and disciplined execution to deliver best practice. They will drive measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance using proven Lean, Six Sigma, and enterprise risk management practices. They will take a leading role in Transition Hypercare, transition and readiness of projects from start to finish to ensure smooth and efficient hand-over to the facilities operations and maintenance teams.

Transition Hypercare

• Co-ordination SDP teams and AWE designers, contractors and suppliers to ensure:
  • completion of installation to AWE defined scope
  • agree and implementation of approved installation changes, interface and conflict management of installation with AWE design and procurement
  • incorporation of all agreed installation technical changes
  • preparation and delivery of operation and maintenance manuals
  • provision of the training end user, operators and maintainers.
  • ensure close out of snagging lists and defect rectification.
• Present evidence at Project Handover AWG meetings to facilitate handover.
• Support the management of AWE operational team requirements

Operational Excellence System Deployment and Coaching:

• Lead the implementation and sustainment of the Operational Excellence (OpEx) system aligned to the Aerospace Operating System, AWE and industry best practices.
• Mentor and coach SDP Lot Partners in tiered accountability, leader standard work (LSW), visual management, and continuous improvement behaviors.
• Drive the cultural transformation toward disciplined use of visual management, performance dialogue, and leadership engagement.

Continuous Improvement and Functional Transformation:

• Identify, prioritize, and lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean and Six Sigma tools (e.g., Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, 6S, Rapid Problem Solving).
• Facilitate cross-functional best practice sharing and lead functional transformation initiatives across all areas of SDP.
• Deploy improvements targeting both process efficiency and functional organisational maturity.

Performance and Risk Management:

• Develop and deploy tiered accountability boards across SDP partners.
• Define, track, and report key operational and strategic KPIs aligned to business goals and customer expectations.
• Integrate risk management practices, including Total Predictive Maintenance (TPM) and Enterprise Risk Management (ERM), into operational routines.

Problem Solving and Root Cause Analysis:

• Lead structured problem-solving initiatives to drive systemic issue resolution.
• Champion rapid problem-solving efforts to contain and resolve deviations quickly and permanently.

Change Management and Organizational Development:

• Drive organizational readiness and capability for change through structured change management programs and coaching.
• Build employee engagement and technical capability in Operational Excellence behaviors and methodologies.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Operations Management, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred, or relevant experience.
• Certified Lean Expert, Six Sigma Green/Black Belt, or equivalent.
• Project management experience and qualification, min AMPQ preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of experience leading operational excellence, Lean transformation, or functional transformation initiatives in manufacturing, nuclear, defense, or complex technical environments.
• Deep expertise in the deployment of Operational Excellence systems, including Tiered Accountability, Visual Management, Leader Standard Work, Strategy Deployment, and Functional Transformation practices.
• Strong coaching, influencing, and cross-functional leadership skills.
• Familiarity with enterprise tools such as Power BI, ERP systems, and operational data visualization platforms.
• Strategic thinker with a focus on execution and measurable business impact.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and relationship-building skills.

Competencies:

• Passion for continuous improvement and operational excellence
• Strategic and tactical execution capability
• Expertise in functional transformation and organizational development
• Strong coaching and facilitation capability
• Data-driven and disciplined problem-solver
• Customer- and mission-focused mindset
• High organizational discipline and accountability

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform crucial job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Join a team recognized for leadership, innovation, and diversity.